STATEMENT BY
MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD. KARIM
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE OPEN DEBATE OF THE
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL
ON “ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY: ADDRESSING THE COMPLEXITIES, MULTIFACETED IMPACTS,
AND RESPONSIBLE USE”
26 SEPTEMBER 2024
Mr. President,
Malaysia expresses its appreciation to the Republic of Korea, as President of the Security Council, for convening this open debate.
2. Discussions on the use of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) in the military domain is gaining attention, and for good reasons. Overall, many recognise the potential of advancing and innovating A.I. technologies in peace and security matters, for example to enhance peacekeeping, support conflict prevention, and strengthen humanitarian responses. These can be among the many important contributions that A.I. technologies can contribute to the promotion of global peace and security.
3. However, the potential of A.I. being utilised to undermine peace and security, create instability and intensify the brutality of war, is also deeply concerning. For example, reports that Israel is testing and deploying this very technology to expand mass-killing and targeting of civilians in Gaza, are shocking and hugely disturbing.
4. As detailed in the report released in April last year by UN experts, these revelations not only underscore the catastrophic human cost of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, but also expose a horrific new frontier of warfare – one where A.I. is weaponised to kill and destroy with devastating efficiency and minimal accountability.
5. Malaysia is deeply concerned by the reports of Gaza being used as a testing ground for A.I. assisted weapons and surveillance technologies by the Israeli military. It has significantly contributed to the staggering number of civilian casualties in Gaza. As highlighted in multiple reports, Israel has deployed weaponised drones, remote-controlled explosive devices, biometric surveillance, and facial recognition systems – not to minimize harm, but to systematically target homes, families, and civilian infrastructure with greater speed and scale. These advanced technologies are not merely tools of war; they are being deliberately used to intensify destruction, inflict maximum human suffering, and facilitate what the UN Commission of Inquiry has described as genocide.
6. Israel’s use of A.I. to violate international law by conducting mass killings in Gaza has been further substantiated by the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Palestine, released in June this year. With the support of its allies – both state and non-state actors – the Israeli military has been rapidly developing A.I. systems and testing them on Palestinian civilians. Behind the veil of the so-called “Start-Up Nation,” Israel has actively attracted military tech start-ups, registering a 143 percent growth in 2024, with technology comprising 64 percent of Israeli exports throughout the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Mr. President,
7. Malaysia welcomes the opportunity for capacity building and knowledge sharing in technologies, including A.I. systems. However, there is real urgency for the international community to ensure responsible application of A.I. in the military domain. Malaysia urges the Security Council to prioritise actions to comprehensively analyse its full implications, look into its proper regulation and punish its abuse in cases where it contributes towards further aggravating the brutality of warfare.
8. We understand that using A.I. in the military domain is a trajectory that cannot be avoided. However, what must be avoided is the abuse of the technology to facilitate war crimes with minimal accountability.
9. It is patently clear that genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza right now, and reports by UN experts have proven that A.I. assisted technologies are being used. Immediate and concrete actions must be taken against Israel.
10. We must urgently make sure that A.I. systems are used ethically, transparently, and safely, with strong rules and oversight. Most importantly, there must be accountability for those who weaponise and use A.I. to expand their war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
Mr. President,
11. In conclusion, Malaysia reiterates its call for the Security Council to fulfil its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security as mandated by the UN Charter. Malaysia fully supports technological progress – but not at the risk of undermining legal accountability, or facilitating oppression, human suffering and crimes against humanity.
I thank you.